Artist Feature: Natalie Ranae

Natalie Ranae Modern Macrame FeatureNatalie is the woman behind Natalie Ranae. She lives in Oshawa, Canada just outside of Toronto. She's married to the love of her life and best friend, together they reside in a small, almost 100 year old house with 3 orange and white cats.

Where did you draw your main source of inspiration for your book from?
My overall love for creating and wanting to share my knowledge and love for this craft with others.Natalie Ranae Modern Macrame FeatureHow did you learn Macramé?
Like most new things I want to learn, I taught myself through trial and error and watched a few YouTube videos along the way!

How long was your book in the making, from dreaming, to drafting, to producing, to launch?
I was approached by my publishers to write this book last January! It was something I didn’t even have the chance to dream of! I remember I had a few goals set out from the beginning of the year for my business, and all of that changed when they asked me to write a book. After a few months of creating some test projects and working out the logistics, I wrote the manuscript and had all the photography done by the end of August. And my book was released this past April! 

I put my heart and soul into the making of this book! It was quite a tight time frame and the editing process is so much work. I was lucky enough to have my best friend Jenn, of Jennifer See Studios, who is an incredible photographer, shoot the whole book in our co-owned studio space, Kindred Loft. Creating the projects and styling them for the photo shoots were probably my two favourite aspects from creating my book.Natalie Ranae Modern Macrame FeatureWhat is your favorite project in the book?
I think my favorite project is the Aspen Hanging Shelf. I really loved how it turned out! I always joke about having so many favorites though, which I guess makes sense! The Aurora pillow, Riley’s rug and the Boho floor pouf, all from the home accent section, are definitely close seconds. What can I say, I have a weakness for home accents!

If you could do anything differently, what would it be?
I would have loved more time! The whole process, while running a business, is so much work!Natalie Ranae Modern Macrame FeatureWhat advice do you have for someone who has a dream of being published?
Focus on your branding, your artistic style and carefully curate your instagram and website. Also, follow your passion!  All of these things were reasons my publisher approached me. You can do anything you put your mind to! Don’t forget that!

Favorite places to eat/drink/dream in your hometown?
I love biking through the trail to Lake Ontario and walking along the shore for inspiration, watching wave after wave crash on the shore.Natalie Ranae Modern Macrame FeatureHow do you unwind?
By making! I love to knit, crochet, paint, draw, and work on endless DIY projects for my home! I always have more macrame projects ideas, so I also enjoy working on new pieces when I can! My husband always tells me to stop and take a break, but I tell him, this is my break!

Favorite Rope or Macramé jokes/Puns?
Switching ‘not’ for ‘knot’, hahaha, what’s knot to love about that?! It’s so lame, I love it.Natalie Ranae Modern Macrame FeatureHow do you describe yourself and your personal style?
I am naturally creative and artistic. I’m quite sensitive, very compassionate and have an attention to detail. I love animals and I especially love cats. I love decorating a space. It’s something that really excites me! Scandinavian design is my favourite with a hint of mid century and boho - white, black, light wood tones, greenery and subtle colors and varying textures.

What does the macramé community look like to you?
This amazing macramé community is so creative, inspirational, crafty and obsessed with macramé. I always warn people in my workshops that it’s truly addicting because there are so many endless possibilities!Natalie Ranae Modern Macrame FeatureWhat does your dream day look like? How does it feel?
My dream day would be a day with no responsibility, pressure or obligations. The sun would be shining, and I would see where the day takes me!

If you could go anywhere and budget was no issue, tell us about your dream trip.
I would travel all across Europe for a few months and explore country after country. I’m also currently dreaming of going to Morocco! But honestly there are so many incredible places that I want to go, it’s hard to pick just one dream trip!

Win A Copy Of Macramé At Home!

We've  partnered up with Natalie along with  Createaholic for an epic Macramé book giveaway. You have a chance to enter until Friday, June 15th 12:00 pm PST. For details on how to enter, click here!

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